A spot on the Academy’s radar
Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters is officially in the Oscar conversation after securing its eligibility for the Best Animated Feature race at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dropped its eligibility list on November 21, 2025, and KPop Demon Hunters made the cut among 35 potential nominees.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the Netflix hit now stands shoulder to shoulder with heavy hitters like Disney’s Elio and Zootopia 2, plus Japanese giants such as Demon Slayer Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man Reze Arc. But don’t be fooled! KPop Demon Hunters is no small movie, as it has become Netflix’s most-viewed movie, and the soundtrack’s main single, “Golden,” is a massive hit with multiple Grammy nominations.
A strong start toward the nominees
KPop Demon Hunters earned its eligibility thanks to limited theatrical screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco back in June. Although the film didn’t qualify for the BAFTAs, that hasn’t slowed the buzz surrounding its awards potential. It has been predicted that this demon-slaying fantasy with a sprinkle of K-pop could get nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden.” Fans won’t have to wait too long either since the Academy will reveal official nominees on January twenty two of next year.
Grammys, Oscars, and all the glitter
While the Oscars still have a few months to make their nominations official, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is living its best awards season life. The fictional K-pop group, HUNTRIX, featured in the movie, snagged five Grammy nominations for the 2026 ceremony. Their hit “Golden” is nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo or Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. The full soundtrack is up for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and even a David Guetta remix of Golden grabbed a nod for Best Remixed Recording.